It was the end of an era earlier this month when Neville and Carmel Kschenka decided to close the doors to their music store, Custom Music, as they head into retirement.

The couple first established the independently-owned Custom Music in Narrandera in 1982, with stores opening in Wagga, Albury and Griffith soon after.

Supplying a range of musical instruments, from grand pianos to electric guitars, violins and accessories, the Kschenkas will be sorely missed by many locals who relied on the local music store for all their musical needs.

The tributes from well-wishers have poured in on social media since the couple announced their retirement plans and to close the shop’s doors for the last time.

Many people wished Neville and Carmel well in their “retirement adventures”.

“We also thank you for being an amazing business in Narrandera for over 40 years,” Eiley Armida’s Facebook post stated.

“You and yours have gone above and beyond, sharing the creativity and knowledge of music, your help in setting up all kinds of systems for public functions and there are more contributions to our community, so thankyou and best of luck, because its most deserving.”

A former employee at Custom Music, Craig Williams, said he had the privilege of working for the Kschenkas for 15 years in their Wagga store.

He said not many people would realise “half the sacrifices and hard work Neville and Carmel put into their business for all these years”.

“I feel so lucky to have experienced the music industry through what could be arguably the most golden of years, the eighties and nineties,” Craig said.

“Leading by example, Neville instilled in me a work ethic that carried me through the following 25 years running my own photography business - coincidentally, having only just sold my business well.

“There are no two people more worthy of a long and happy retirement than these two.”

Many others who posted on Facebook echoed Craig Williams’ sentiments.

Tim Annetts said it was an amazing achievement, operating the music shop for more than four decades.

“Thank you for many offerings of knowledge, friendly service and awesome products over the years,” he posted.

“I didn’t buy a lot, but anything I did buy was always a pleasant experience - wishing you a happy retirement.”

Marie Dewhirst thanked the Kschenkas for their support of her music school and its students.

Neville’s support of the Griffith Musicians Club Young Musician of the Year awards for 16 years also didn’t go unnoticed as Michael Pfitzner congratulated Neville on his dedication throughout the years.

A first bass and amp package about 40 years ago holds fond memories for Treva Scobie, who aptly told Neville to embrace his retirement from the shop by saying “enjoy retirement - rock on”.

There’s no doubt the Kschenkas will be missed, but there was much more to the business than just selling quality equipment – there were countless hours of tireless work behind the scenes as well.

Perhaps Sonya Bull hit the nail on the head when she said the store was “an institution - not only for fabulous sales and service, but also tuition and countless hours supporting local events with their audio and PA needs.”